Name: Award-Winning Homemade Marinara Sauce in 30 Min: So Easy!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Oh, the smell of a rich, simmering tomato sauce filling the kitchen! It’s one of those aromas that just wraps you in a warm hug, isn’t it? For me, a truly amazing pasta dish starts with an incredible sauce. And while there are plenty of jars on the grocery store shelves, nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the fresh, vibrant taste of Homemade Marinara Sauce.

Here at 911Recipes, we believe food is about so much more than just eating. It’s about making memories, just like my grandmother taught me. She always said you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something wonderful. This easy marinara recipe truly embodies that simple truth. It’s from-scratch, super simple, and it will absolutely elevate your everyday meals.

I crafted this recipe to be straightforward, using ingredients you likely already have. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. Get ready to experience the pure joy of a truly delicious, homemade sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Marinara Sauce

The Magic of Homemade Marinara Sauce

There’s something truly special about making your own marinara sauce. It’s more than just cooking; it’s an experience. This easy recipe gives you:

Unmatched Freshness: No jarred sauce can compare to the vibrant taste of homemade.
Simple Ingredients: We use basic pantry staples for big flavor.
Total Control: Adjust seasonings exactly to your liking.
Versatility: Perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
Pure Comfort: This sauce brings that cozy, “hug in a bowl” feeling right to your table.

Making this marinara sauce from scratch transforms ordinary dishes. It really brings a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most amazing aromas!

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Marinara Sauce

Gathering Your Supplies for the Best Homemade Marinara Sauce

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible sauce. I always make sure these are on hand. You’ll need:

2 tablespoons olive oil.
1 large onion, finely chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes. I often reach for San Marzano.
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
½ cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish.
1 teaspoon dried oregano.
½ teaspoon kosher salt.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Having everything ready makes the cooking process so smooth. It’s like setting the stage for a delicious show!

Crafting Your Homemade Marinara Sauce: Step-by-Step Instructions

Simple Steps to Perfect Homemade Marinara Sauce

Making this beautiful homemade marinara sauce is simpler than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a rich, flavorful sauce in no time!

First, grab a large heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer a bit, but not smoke. This usually takes just a minute or two.

Next, add your finely chopped onion to the pot. Cook it gently, stirring every so often, until it turns soft and clear. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown; we want sweetness, not bitterness.

Now, stir in your minced garlic. Cook it for just 1 minute more, until you can really smell that wonderful aroma. Garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it!

Pour in both the crushed tomatoes and the diced tomatoes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those little bits add so much flavor!

Stir in the chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine it all nicely.

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling softly, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook. I usually let mine go for at least 30 minutes, but up to an hour is even better. The longer it simmers, the deeper and more melded the flavors become. Remember to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.

Finally, taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings. If it tastes a little too acidic, a tiny pinch of sugar can balance it out perfectly. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender right in the pot. Or, carefully transfer batches to a regular blender and blend until it’s just how you like it.

Serve your warm homemade marinara sauce over your favorite pasta. It’s also amazing as a pizza base, or with meatballs. Enjoy!

Tips for Elevating Your Homemade Marinara Sauce

Making Your Homemade Marinara Sauce Shine

I always share these little tricks that make a big difference. They help your homemade marinara sauce truly shine. First, always pick quality tomatoes. They are the star of the show!

If your sauce tastes a little sharp, don’t worry. A tiny pinch of sugar can balance the acidity beautifully. It just wakes up all the flavors. For a silky-smooth sauce, an immersion blender is your best friend. A few pulses, and it’s perfect.

This sauce also freezes wonderfully! I often make a double batch. Then, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’s so convenient for busy weeknights. Just thaw, heat, and enjoy that “tastes like you spent all day” flavor!

Common Questions About Homemade Marinara Sauce

Your Homemade Marinara Sauce FAQs Answered

I get asked a lot of questions about this homemade marinara sauce. Here are some common ones:

Can I use fresh tomatoes for marinara sauce?

Absolutely! If you have ripe, juicy garden tomatoes, they make an amazing sauce. Just blanch, peel, and crush them. You might need to simmer a bit longer to get the right consistency.

How long does homemade marinara sauce last in the fridge?

Your delicious sauce will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

Can I freeze homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will last for up to 3 months. This is my go-to for quick weeknight meals.

What’s the best way to thicken marinara sauce?

Simmering longer is usually the best way. For a quicker fix, you can cook it uncovered. This allows more water to evaporate. A tiny bit of tomato paste can also help thicken it and boost flavor.

Why is my marinara sauce bitter?

Bitterness can happen if your garlic burns. Or, sometimes, tomatoes are naturally acidic. A pinch of sugar usually fixes this right up. Good quality tomatoes also make a difference!

Estimated Nutrition for This Homemade Marinara Sauce

Understanding the Nutritional Value of Homemade Marinara Sauce

I know many of you like to keep an eye on nutrition. Here’s an estimated breakdown for a 1/2 cup serving of this homemade marinara sauce:

Calories: 90
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g

Please remember these are estimates. Exact values can vary. It depends on the specific brands you choose. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade meal!

Enjoying Your Homemade Marinara Sauce

Share Your Homemade Marinara Sauce Creations

There’s nothing better than seeing what you create in your own kitchens! Once you’ve whipped up this amazing homemade marinara sauce, I’d love to hear about it. Did you serve it over classic spaghetti? Maybe you used it on a homemade pizza? Share your creations with us!

Feel free to leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out. You can also rate the recipe. We love seeing what you create!